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Leukemia in Cats

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

As a retovirus, the Feline
Leukemia Virus is commonly mistaken for being the same as the feline
immunodeficiency virus despite there being quite a few differences. Once
infected the disease infects the host for the rest of its life and cats
usually die within three years of being diagnosed. The virus enters the
lymphatic tissues and briefly travels through the blood stream to the
intestines and bone marrow. The most detrimental effect of the feline
leukemia virus is to suppress the catís immune system. Cats are more
susceptible to catching the disease if they have a weak or underdeveloped
immune system, such as kittens or cats in poor health. Vaccines are strongly
encouraged for healthy cats as, although it does not protect all cats, it
reduces the chance of infection and transmission.

Transmission

Feline leukemia virus is
transmitted via prolonged exposure to infected saliva or nasal discharge.
This can usually happen, for example, if a healthy cat shares the same
feeding or water bowl as an infected cat. Infected urine and faeces are also
known to transfer the virus and colostrum ingested by the kittens of an
infected queen is another source of transmission. Objects in the environment
contaminated with the virus, such as food bowls, may be a cause of infection
although the virus cannot survive for a long period of time outside of its
host.

When introducing a new cat to
a household where the previous cat died as a result of infection from the
feline leukemia virus, then all inanimate objects should be disinfected
against other diseases. This is because, although the FeLV does not survive
in the environment for long, other dangerous viruses do which the deceased
cat may have contracted in its weakened state. The new cat should be
properly vaccinated.

Symptoms

The disease shows no symptoms
in the cat for sometimes as long as a few years. When they do present
themselves, the cat visibly deteriorates in health with signs such as a lack
of condition in its coat, enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw, and pale gums.
There will be a loss of appetite, fever and a resultant weight loss.
Gingivitis and stomatitis become visible and the cat may experience
diarrhoea, behavioural changes and occasionally neurological problems
including seizures. Conjunctivitis may occur and in some cases pregnant
queens undergo abortions.

Though not a cancer itself,
despite the misnomer as a result of the time it was discovered, cancers can
develop as a result of it. Symptoms from secondary infections are also often
presented.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no cure for the
disease and stray or feral cats with the disease are often euthanized.
Owners who do not want their cats put down are advised to isolate the
infected pet within the home to prevent the spread of this serious disease.
Vaccination is essential for cats that are able to go outside though may not
provide protection to every cat. The vaccine cannot be given to help cure an
infected cat.

Diagnosis and Prognosis

The ELISA test is the
preferred method of diagnosis sometimes followed by IFA tests. They are used
for the detection of a protein, which is a section of the virus, in the
blood. Most cats are euthanized immediately or until as long as three years
after a positive diagnosis for the disease. Others die within this time
usually from catching a lethal disease since the virus compromises the
immune system. Such diseases include progressive anaemia, leukaemia or
lymphoma.

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